The Mexican Primera usually features one match on Friday, and it’s usually not a great one. Monarcas Morelia has been on Friday this year and they’ve been better than expected, but enduring Estudiantes Tecos hasn’t been fun. Luckily for those who will be around on Friday night, Tijuana and America are playing on Friday. Why? Who cares. Chivas vs. Cruz Azul is the next biggest match.
Mexican Primera 2012, Week 10 Preview And Fixtures: America Face Tijuana, Chivas Host Cruz Azul
Tijuana and America kick things off with a big match on Saturday, while Tecos and Pumas play in the final match of the week.
Tijuana vs. Club America
Friday, 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: Azteca
Tijuana are now well clear of the relegation spot and have their sights set on earning a Liguilla place. Argentinian forward Jose Sand looks like one of the best players in Mexico, and their defense looks much better than it did in the Apertura. They’re facing a formidable attack on Friday in a Club America team that is tied for second in the league in goals.
The biggest matchup in this game will be on Tijuana’s left, where Edgar Castillo will be facing off against ‘Hobbit’ Christian Bermudez. Castillo is in great form at the moment, but is not a terrific defender and was let go from Club America because of his poor form last season. He’ll have his hands full with Hobbit.
Monarcas Morelia vs. Toluca
Friday, 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX Deportes
Toluca is on the edge of Liguilla, and their defense has been poor this season. They have absolutely no problem scoring goals -- Ivan Alonso has nine in just nine games -- but they’ve allowed more goals than any other team in the top 11. With an experienced defensive pair and a solid goalkeeper in Diego Novaretti, Edgar Dueñas and Alfredo Talavera, there’s no explanation for how many goals they let in.
Against a red-hot Morelia side, they will need to improve instantly. Rafael Marquez Lugo and Miguel Sabah are in lethal form and can finish off chances in the smallest of windows.
Chivas Guadalajara vs. Cruz Azul
Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: Telemundo
Chivas have won two games in a row after a horrific start and could be starting a charge up the table. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s attack is poor, or at least it was until last week. They scored four goals on Monterrey, and they will be dangerous if their attacking players are finally coming into form.
These teams have been roller coasters this year and they look capable of defeating anyone or losing to anyone. Predictions and analysis in this one seem pointless. Both teams have defenses that fall asleep at times and both teams have players that can score goals from absolutely nothing.
UNAM Pumas vs. Estudiantes Tecos
Sunday, 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: Univision
Atlas and Queretaro have been bad enough this year to delay Tecos’ relegation, but with each week, it appears more and more inevitable. Pumas are in 11th after missing out on Liguilla last season and are desperate to get back. Even though Pumas have struggled without the recently retired ‘Paco’ Palencia, this should be an easy win for them. Tecos are going to need to start pulling off a whole bunch of miracles to keep themselves from mathematically going down before the last round of the season.
Other Games
Jaguares Chiapas vs. UANL Tigres - Saturday, 6:00 p.m. ET
Monterrey vs. Queretaro - Saturday, 6:00 p.m. ET
Santos Laguna vs. Puebla - Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
San Luis vs. Pachuca - Saturday, 9:45 p.m. ET
Atlante vs. Atlas - Saturday, 10:00 p.m. ET
For more on the Mexican Primera, check out FMF State Of Mind.
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